As an office, we strive to pursue excellence in medicine at UAB by cultivating an equitable environment that accepts and affirms all—in the areas of education, research, and patient care.

Led by Dr. Mona Fouad (pictured top right), Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, our office aims to:

• Build an institution free from discrimination of any kind;
• Create excellence by cultivating diversity;
• Promote the career development of our diverse workforce;
• Enhance the recruitment and retention of students, trainees, faculty, and staff from those underrepresented in medicine.

Earlier this year, 2021, the Office for Diversity Inclusion welcomed our new Executive Director, Dr. Steven E. Hairston (pictured middle right). He serves as an advisor to the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion on all strategic and programmatic initiatives for diversity and inclusion. Since joining ODI, Steve has worked to shape ODI’s vision with the development of a comprehensive strategic plan. This plan will be used over the next three years to move the office forward with new trainings and programs. Steve has a strong interest in the development and implementation in policies and initiatives that foster the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce at the SOM.

In 2020, Dr. Leisha Hultgren (pictured left) joined the ODI team as a Program Manager II. In this role, Dr. Hultgren coordinates and delivers school-wide training initiatives aimed at building cultural competency and diversity-related skills for faculty, staff, and students. She also assists with developing and implementing programs to recruit and retain those underrepresented in medicine. With a passion for social justice, she stays aware of best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion and uses that knowledge to inform ODI programs and policy development.

Lastly, in 2019, Jessica Snyder (pictured bottom right) joined ODI as a Program Manager II. In her position, Jessica oversees the ODI newsletter, website, branding, event promotions, social media, and more. With a love of marketing and communications, and a desire to foster diversity and inclusion within the Heersink School of Medicine, Jessica uses her skills to help the office achieve its goals.

Our office is here to serve you.

Have an idea to promote diversity and inclusion in your department?
Want to share news in our newsletter?
Need a speaker for an event?

Whatever your diversity and inclusion need may be, our office is here to help.

Reach out to any of our staff members via email by clicking one of the names above.